Optical input devices
US11720210B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04109
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical input device includes at least one optically clear plate having at least one light source positioned at a peripheral edge thereof and arranged and configured to transmit frequency modulated light into the optically clear plate along its planar length at an angle such that the modulated light is contained within the plate via total internal reflection thereof. At least one photodetector is configured to receive some or all of the modulated light. A least one input mechanism is embedded within the optically clear plate and is mechanically moveable relative thereto. A processing module receives signals from the photodetector and generates data representative of information to be displayed on a display screen. Both mechanical movement of the input mechanism relative to the optically clear plate and the application of pressure to the clear plate generate respective changes in the modulated light received by the photodetector. A change in the modulated light received by the photodetector causes the processing module to generate data representative of a change in information to be displayed on the display screen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.